What do you like about Ann Arbor?Ok. Some things need to be put into perspective. Michigan overall is largely a manufacturing-based industry and most cities in michigan will have a strong whiff of that blue collar pride. Now, if you compare Ann Arbor to most of these "prototypical" Michigan cities (i.e you are a life-long midwesterner) then Ann Arbor would seem like the pinnacle of civilization. But the reality is that in terms of art, culture, cuisine, and quality of living, Ann Arbor is about the same as cities like: Chapel Hill NC, New Brunswick NJ, Torrance CA, and St. Louis MO. Now if you have ever lived in any one of these other cities, you would soon realize that people around this area speak highly of Ann Arbor because they haven't lived anywhere else.What do you dislike about Ann Arbor?I need to qualify this one too. I grew up in new york city and yes the people can be rude but people in Michigan overall are extremely complacent with really, nothing to show for it. It is the best example of modern American living: self-confidence before actual knowlege, breaking the rules without actually learning the rules, and lastly, thinking that the city that they happend to live in is somehow a unique experience.What are your favorite parts of the city to live and/or hang out in?Like any other college town.How expensive is it?Compared to national averages it is still CHEAP in Ann Harbor when you consider a major university within the city.Is it safe? Stand outside with a sign that says "please take my wallet" and you'll still be dissapointed.How is the weather? All four seasons.Additional thoughts? Back in grad school, I had a friend from Malyasia who honest belived that he came from the art center of the Asian continent. I don't think midwesterners are that dissimilar to my very sincere friend.Name: | Age: 17 | Gender: Female | ZIP: 48104 | Resident for: more than 10 years | Added on: 2005-09-10 Artisticness: 5Calmness: 3Helpfulness: 5Intelligence: 5Neatness: 4Outgoingness: 4Was this review useful? Yes/No | Report spam

What do you like about Ann Arbor? Culturally diverse, liberal, great downtown, two historic movie theaters, lots of great sports including U of M teams and others, many places to eat, two great high schools, lots of activities, a very giving and generous public. Many, many more things to like about this city.

What do you dislike about Ann Arbor? Come September, when the students return to U of M, it gets to be VERY crowded downtown. Some of the traffic is a complete mess all around the city. When the students come back, so does crime -- the city needs more policemen on patrol downtown. Also the massive Art Fair in July creates many hassles when you try to get around.

What are your favorite parts of the city to live and/or hang out in? The downtown is amazing, the Huron River is beautiful. There are som many parks and recreational areas to visit. I've lived here almost 20 years and I haven't seen everything yet.

How expensive is it? The housing is getting to be very expensive. But everything else -- places to eat, shop, whatever -- are not.

Is it safe? For the most part. There are rarely any serious crimes. There are more burglaries downtown when the students come back, hence the reason more police are needed.

How is the weather? Maybe one of the downsides to the city. The summers are beautiful, the autumns are quick, and the winters are very long. When spring finally comes, it's great.